A New Era for Queensland

1 November 2024

NPAQ would like to welcome Queensland’s new government and new ministers with the LNP’s David Crisafulli at the helm, while also recognising that all newly appointed governments build on the foundations and legacy of previous administrations.

One of the most difficult aspects of life, and of governance, is remaining flexible enough to embrace change, seeking out the opportunities it brings while heading off the uncertainty that accompanies new ideas and new growth. Over our Association’s 94-year history as an environmental NGO, NPAQ has worked cordially and collaboratively with successive governments to generate lasting outcomes for Queensland’s protected areas, and we will continue to do so.

Much of NPAQ’s role has been in influencing decision-makers, guiding them towards gazetting national parks and passing legislation that puts biodiversity management at the heart of public policy. We’re proud of our apolitical environmental advocacy, just as Queensland’s Palaszczuk and Miles’ Labor Governments can be proud of the environmental wins they’ve achieved, including growing the protected area estate, the transition of state forests into protected areas, enhancements to the Vegetation Management Act 1999, implementation of the Values-based Management Framework for parks management, and their watchful eye on conservation management at large.

We feel confident that the Crisafulli LNP government and the new Minister for the Environment and Great Barrier Reef will stand by their word to continue to prioritise and grow protected areas, whether national parks and state forests, conservation reserves, special wildlife reserves, Indigenous protected areas, or private protected areas. Already, we’re buoyed by the promised addition of 150 new ranger roles to help fulfil the national obligation of 30×30, and the LNP’s plan to boost national park management. We look forward to many more announcements that prioritise environmental concerns and park management in the coming months and years.

Much work is ahead for the incoming government, and for NPAQ, too, as we work with ministers and stakeholders to connect and protect wild places. With the Olympic and Paralympic Games ahead, NPAQ is especially keen to advise on proposed infrastructure and ecotourism ventures that showcase our state’s natural heritage to the world, ensuring these are conceived and managed with the utmost consideration for the natural and cultural values of our unique protected areas.